Design on Command | Haney’s Customizable Fashion

By Stephen Brown

What has been the response to the collection so far?

When we launched on Net-A-Porter [in December], we sold out of all sizes in just a few days. It was sort of validation of what women want: luxury, to feel beautiful, but also want to be comfortable. These are clothes that fit and are of really high quality.

Tell me about your current collection.

The line is really about old Hollywood and glamour. I look at Tory Burch and how she embodies the Park Avenue woman and Ralph Lauren is really Americana. I really want to build Haney as this Hollywood glamorous line where women can be comfortable but feel really glamorous. I got my master’s degree in film, so I really looked to film and the history of film, all of these amazing costume designers, for inspiration.

What’s your take on the concept of customizable ready-to-wear?

It's like an insiders look into a celebrities style team. They all have stylists, hair and makeup people. ... we are creating that with the customization, where you can create your own unique look.

Whom in fashion, past or present, do you admire?

I really admire Tom Ford, especially his work when he was with Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci in the late '90s. To me, that was the epitome of fashion. … I have so many of his pieces in my own private collection. And I look a lot at Halston in the '70s, what was happening then for inspiration. And I’m really inspired by [James] Galanos.

What’s in store for the new collection?

I tend to like shiny, sparkly things, so you’ll see a lot of sequins and embellishments. And there will be a lot of wearable dresses, which is to say it’s not just something to wear to a party but something you can wear during the day and take out to a party at night.

The jumpsuit (pictured above right) in my first collection has been a huge hit, so I will have another jumpsuit in the second. … I love jumpsuits; it's something that can easily be worn from day to night.

My clientele is the woman who goes out—or the girl that wants something special but doesn’t want to go home and change three times. So I am focusing on that.